Bruised and battered, Saint Lucia’s Piton Girlz delivered a resilient performance to advance to the WIFA women’s tournament final.
Their hard-fought 0-0 draw against hosts St Vincent and the Grenadines at Victoria Park on Thursday night was enough to seal their qualification. They will meet Barbados for the title on Saturday at Arnos Vale.
Managing significant injury concerns, head coach Francis Panko McDonald had to make major adjustments. The lineup featured a reformed defensive unit, with Kenna Lionel in goal behind a back four of Shamalyn Albert, Racquel John, Hayla Samuel, and Steffany Allain.
Teenager Kyla Lionel retained her place in midfield from the win over Dominica, whilst Freegeane Joseph returned after being left out of the first XI for that last match. Captain Cassandra Shepherd and youth captain Torie Fanus completed the lineup. Clowie Williams returned to the attack, paired with Krysan “Eggs” St Louis.
The home team came in desperate for victory. Having lost to Barbados on Tuesday, the Vincentians needed to beat Saint Lucia by four goals to book a spot in the final.
Playing with urgency, especially in the defensive third, the Lady Heat were able to blunt the Piton Girlz, who had produced seven goals in the two games prior. But the hosts were themselves unable to get past the defensive unit that had allowed just one goal in its two earlier fixtures.
A 0-0 final scoreline meant that Saint Lucia ended the preliminaries unbeaten, with two wins and a draw. Barbados thumped winless Dominica 7-0 to secure the other spot in the final. Saint Lucia will be hopeful that a day of treatment, rest and recovery will have them ready to win the title at Arnos Vale. SVG will play Dominica for third place.
